Shropshire villagers today said they were shocked after an armed raid on their post office, which saw a masked man threaten staff with a gun before making off with £500.

People in Loppington say the raid on Wednesday is the latest in a spate of break-ins in the area, with a home being burgled in daylight just weeks ago. They said the latest incident had come as a big shock to the area.

It is understood post office owner Emma Parker, 34, was working in the shop on her own at about 2.45pm when the man entered the shop and pointed the handgun at her, before demanding money.

She is believed to have called police when she ran into a back room and closed the door, and the offender is thought to have fled the store and made off in a vehicle.No shots were fired from the gun and Mrs Parker was uninjured, but is said to be shaken by the ordeal.

One Loppington villager, who did not wish to be named, said the raid had come as a big shock for the whole of the village.

“It has been a big shock to everyone, Emma and Simon are at the heart of our village, and for this to happen in the middle of the afternoon is a huge shock.

“It’s scary that about four weeks ago there was a burglary in the village and now this happens, it’s not good.”

And Erfoil Jones agreed there had been several incidents of property being broken into in the area.

“We’ve had some break-ins in the village but not up at the shop. There was a break-in down the road not so long ago but I’m surprised it has happened here,” he said.

Police officers sealed off the post office on Wednesday for forensic examination, and are now appealing for information.

They want to hear from anyone who spotted anything suspicious in the village earlier in the day, or even the week, and especially called for a woman who visited the post office shortly before the raid to get in touch, as she could be an important witness.

She is described as being in her 40s or 50s, and she bought a Sun newspaper, a Kit Kat and a birthday card between 2.40pm and 3pm on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Jamieson said it was not known if the offender had an accomplice in the getaway vehicle.

He said: “We believe he had a vehicle parked nearby which may have been a white panel van, like an old style Transit, which made off at speed.

“We would welcome any information from the public which might assist our investigations into this serious incident. The number to call is 08457 444888. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.”

By Abigail Bates